Medication Dispensers for Seniors

For many seniors who live alone, remembering to take medication and dispensing the right dosage can be difficult. While there are plastic pill boxes that can be bought at any pharmacy, some seniors lack the dexterity needed to get the pillbox open and are unsure of the dosages to fill them properly. Other times they may forget to take their medicine when they’re supposed to or not take the right dosage, two scenarios which can lead to deadly consequences.
Medication dispensers take the guesswork out of taking medicine and offer audible reminders of when it’s time to take a dose. There are many different types on the market to accommodate the number of pills and dosages that are needed, but many work in the same way.

What are Digital Medication Dispensers?

As with many things these days, medication dispensers have gone digital. A caregiver will pre-fill the dispenser and it will lock.
It will stay locked until it’s time for the patient to take their medicine. At this time, the dispenser will unlock and make a noise to indicate it’s time. If the patient doesn’t hear the sound, some models will then play a recorded message from a loved one with a gentle reminder that it’s time to take their medicine.
If the patient still forgets to take their medicine, a caregiver who is connected to the system will get an alert. This lets them know the dosage was missed so they can take the appropriate action.

What are the Benefits of a Medication Dispenser?

If everything works properly, the medication dispenser assures that the patient will take the right dosage of medicine at the right time. There are no worries that they will take too much or forget to take it. Although in some cases, the audible reminders may still not be enough. But, in many cases, these dispensers provide peace of mind to caregivers who can’t be around every time a dosage is due.
Many dispensers will also sound an alarm and send an alert if the patient tries to open it when they’re not supposed to. Although many do lock, some patients try to tamper with them.

How Much Do Medication Dispensers Cost?

The cost of medication dispensers run the gamut with some costing as little as $60 to others costing hundreds of dollars. The ones that have more bells and whistles will cost the most. There are also some that require a subscription service because they can contact caregivers much in the same way as a medical alert system. While these are worthwhile services, be wary of some and the contracts that they may contain. You don’t want to be locked into a contract that you can’t get out of without paying a substantial fee.

Where Can I Get an Electronic or Digital Medication Dispenser?

Many medication dispensers can be bought online or at a pharmacy. Medical equipment companies also sell them.

Does Medicare Cover Electronic Medicine Dispensers?

Medicare does not cover the cost of electronic medicine dispensers. In some states, Medicaid may pay for the cost but you would have to look into your state’s regulations since Medicaid coverage is determined on a state by state basis.
Also, if you are a veteran there are some Veterans Affairs programs that will cover medicine dispensers. Check to see what your benefits include.
When it comes to medication dispensers, there is a wide variety on the market. Check to see which ones can accommodate your loved ones’ needs and which ones are the easiest for them to use.
If you want to be contacted of any issues, then a subscription-based service may be best. Although these types of medication dispensers are typically an out-of-pocket expense they can be worth the money because they give family and caregivers peace of mind when it comes to their loved ones medication dosages.

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